What Cyber Monday Is: The Ultimate Guide to the Biggest Online Shopping Day

Updated on August 26, 2025, by Xcitium

Every year, millions of shoppers eagerly wait for Cyber Monday to grab unbeatable online deals. But what Cyber Monday is exactly, and why has it become such a massive global shopping event?

In simple terms, Cyber Monday is the digital counterpart of Black Friday—a day dedicated to online-exclusive discounts on electronics, fashion, software, and more. For IT managers, cybersecurity pros, and business leaders, it’s not just about shopping; it’s also about understanding online traffic surges, digital marketing strategies, and the cybersecurity risks associated with massive online transactions.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday refers to the Monday after Thanksgiving in the U.S., when retailers roll out special online sales.

• First introduced in 2005 by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the term highlighted the growing trend of people shopping online.

• Unlike Black Friday, which originally focused on in-store sales, Cyber Monday emphasizes e-commerce.

• Today, it’s a global event, with participation from retailers in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Why Is Cyber Monday So Popular?

Several factors make Cyber Monday a success:

1. Convenience – Shoppers don’t have to line up at stores.

2. Bigger Focus on Tech – Electronics, software, and gadgets dominate deals.

3. Extended Sales – Some retailers extend Cyber Monday into “Cyber Week.”

4. Exclusive Online Discounts – Offers not available in physical stores.

Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday

The Cybersecurity Side of Cyber Monday

For IT managers and cybersecurity leaders, Cyber Monday is more than just shopping—it’s a cybersecurity challenge. Increased online activity means:

• Phishing attacks via fake discount emails.

• Malware-laden shopping apps promising big deals.

• Identity theft through unsecured websites.

• Overloaded servers leading to downtime.

🔐 Pro tip: Always ensure online shopping happens over HTTPS sites, use multi-factor authentication, and monitor corporate networks for suspicious activity during peak shopping times.

How Businesses Benefit from Cyber Monday

Companies can leverage Cyber Monday to:

• Boost online sales.

• Attract new customers with flash deals.

• Collect valuable customer behavior data.

• Test website infrastructure under heavy traffic.

For B2B software vendors and SaaS providers, it’s also a chance to offer discounts on cloud services, security tools, and subscriptions.

Tips for Shoppers on Cyber Monday

To shop smart and safely:

• Compare prices using tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel.

• Shop from trusted retailers only.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi when entering payment details.

• Watch for “too good to be true” offers—often scams.

• Use virtual cards or PayPal for safer payments.

The Global Impact of Cyber Monday

While Cyber Monday began in the U.S., it’s now recognized worldwide:

• UK & Europe: Retailers embrace both Black Friday & Cyber Monday.

• Asia-Pacific: Countries like China have integrated it into existing online shopping festivals.

• Latin America: Gaining momentum with local retailers joining global sales events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What day is Cyber Monday in 2025?

Cyber Monday falls on December 1, 2025 (the Monday after Thanksgiving).

2. Do Cyber Monday deals last all week?

Yes, many retailers extend sales into Cyber Week, offering discounts until Friday.

3. Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday?

It depends—Black Friday often has better in-store deals, while Cyber Monday is best for online-only tech deals.

4. Are Cyber Monday deals safe?

They are, if you shop from legitimate websites and avoid phishing scams.

5. Do small businesses benefit from Cyber Monday?

Yes! Online retailers, startups, and SaaS providers often see huge spikes in traffic and revenue.

Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly what Cyber Monday is—a global online shopping event that benefits both consumers and businesses. But it’s also a day when cyber risks peak. Whether you’re a consumer, IT manager, or CEO, Cyber Monday is as much about smart shopping as it is about cybersecurity vigilance.

Ready to Secure Your Business Beyond Cyber Monday?

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